Review of the OMS 3W LED backup light

[RonFrank]

I purchased the OMS Vaga 3W backup light a couple months ago.

First I want to thank ScubaToys. They sent me this light, and it was not working properly (old design it seems). They replace it immediately, and it did not cost me a penny in additional shipping. Kudos's to Joe, Larry, and the Staff at ScubaToys for making what could have been an issue, a non-issue, and quality customer experience. OK.. Plug for ST's over!

Build Quality
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The first light I received from ScubaToys had two springs in the head. This design is a problem. I had to screw around with the springs to get the light to work. I asked ST to replace the light, and they did. The second light I received had only one spring. This design works.

The overall build quality is excellent. The alum casing is done well, and the light is solid. The form factor is quite small. Very nicely done in a backup light.

Some folks may not like the screw down activation, but IMO this is not an issue. The duel oring design is very solid. While a switch maybe nice, one could argue that is a failure point. The only issue with this design is when one uses rechargeable batteries. Read on to see what I mean by that!

Battery Life
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OMS advertises 1 hour at 100%, and several hours afterward as the battery dies. My experience backs this up. This is with non-rechargeable 1500mAH batteries I believe.

Based on what I've seen.
Rechargeable 900 mAH batteries - 50~55 minutes. Note: when these die, they do so without warning.
High End 1500mAH non-rechargeable - 60~90minutes full, and then several hours as power diminishes.

This light takes 2 CR123 batteries. These batteries are becoming popular, but are still VERY expensive if you purchase them at Safeway for example. I've seen ONE battery sell for $15. That would make this light impossible to use at $30 for a one hour at full charge. If you can't find these batteries locally at a fair price, they are available online about about a buck a piece.

I purchased two sets of rechargeable LIon batteries. Unfortunately the RCR123 batteries have a slightly different form factor vs. the non-rechargeable models (WT??) This results in a slightly longer battery set.

The end result is that one can NOT use this as a primary light with rechargeable batteries unless you want to turn the light on prior to the dive. This is because the longer batteries (rechargeable) result in the second ORing being exposed if the light is off.

One must turn the light on prior to getting wet if diving with rechargeable, or risk a flood as the second oring is exposed when using rechargeable batteries when the light is in the off position. The second issue with using rechargeable batteries is that one is going to get approx 55 minutes of burn time. That is not enough for a lot of the dives I do at night.

NOTE: This issue is ONLY when using rechargeable batteries, and is not an issue if using the standard non-rechargeable batteries that are included with the light.

Output
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The light output is VERY impressive from this tiny light. I measured it against my Sartek 10W HID, and it definitely puts out the advertised 90 lumen's.

I measured this with my flash meter, so this is not a subjective evaluation. This thing produces about 90 lumens which is VERY impressive for a light this size.

Overall Impressions
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I'm impressed. This is ONE Bright Light! The size is small, and the output is BIG! The main drawback I have is the fact one can not really use this as a primary light with rechargeable batteries. Since it is designed as a backup, that is really not a dig, but it would be nice to use rechargeable batteries and use this as a primary light for rec diving.

Does it match my 10W HID.... no Way! But it does produce some serious output for such a small form factor.

The good news is that it can be used as a primary light for rec diving using the CR123 batteries. This light outperforms a LOT of the primary rec diving lights sold in the sub $100 range.

If you are looking for an inexpensive backup light, Consider the OMS Vega!

Positives
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• Very bright, out performs many primary lights.
• Nice small footprint
• Well made, and solid.
• Double oring construction provides a good seal against flooding.
• Reasonable price.

Negatives
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• Burntime is only 1 hour at 100% output with standard batteries, and only 55 minutes using rechargeable batteries.
• CR123 batteries are expensive to purchase locally. One has to order online to find a reasonable price.
• CR123 batteries maybe difficult to find when traveling
• Some may not like the screw down on/off design.
• Some may find the form factor too small. I don't, but some may prefer a larger light, especially those with larger hands.

[lsusaints7]

Thanks for the review. I have dropped this light in my cart several times but never checked out. After the review I am getting one. It sounds like you are into photography. I know it isn't a strobe, but could I use it to help exposure with my point and shoot digital nikon or would it only expose particles in the water?

[CompuDude]

That's a sweet little light. I've considered it on occasion, but I'm still holding out hope for a 2C Photon Torpedo LED.

[caroln]

Nice review. Thanks. Makes me want to pull out my Vega and get it fixed. I dropped it on a hard floor on my last trip and I broke something. Up to that point, I was very impressed with it.

[DZorn00]

Thanks for the review, I have been looking around for a light and this well help in my decision making. Thanks for taking the time.

[fireflock]

I have one of these too. Ron's review matches my experience. If you can get past the CR123 batteries and the shorter burn time, it's a lot of light in a small package for a nice price. A bolt snap on the end makes it a lot more natural to handle with bigger hands. I keep mine attached to my rig all the time and it takes the lack of care/attention with no problems. You can't do that with a HID.

This light is plenty for night dives (brighter than some of the 4C or 4D pistol grips) and the beam is plenty tight for signaling.

Rich